Thailand’s Department of Commerce reports that cross-border trade with Cambodia has almost come to a standstill following the closure of border checkpoints, with activity down by nearly 100 percent in July.

According to Thai media outlet The Nation, Arada Fuangtong, Director General of the Department of Commerce, said on August 26 that bilateral trade had dropped to what she called a “severe negative level” after Thailand shut its border crossings with Cambodia.

Figures show that overall trade between the two countries fell by 97.5 percent in July to just 11.5 million US dollars. Thai exports to Cambodia accounted for nearly all of that amount, at $11.4 million, representing a 97 percent decline. Imports from Cambodia fell even more sharply, dropping 99.8 percent to only 180,000 dollars.

On July 16, Cambodia’s General Department of Customs and Excise announced a ban on Thai-origin goods, including vegetables, fruit, fuel, and gas products such as petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, heavy oil, and jet fuel.

The decision followed a declaration from Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, who barred the import or transit of Thai goods into Cambodia after the Thai military unilaterally closed the border on June 7.

By August 2025, Cambodia had banned 11 categories of Thai products, including vegetables, fruit, fuel, electricity, internet services, films, and Thai boxing events.

Thai media also report that following Cambodia’s restrictions, Thai diesel exports to Cambodia dropped 7.4 percent, while other refined oil products fell by as much as 33.3 percent. Exports of key consumer goods such as milk, soy milk, energy drinks, and coffee have also seen steep and continued declines.

Thailand’s acting defense minister has warned that legal measures may be taken against Cambodian villagers who dismantled barbed wire fences set up by Thai troops in Chouk Cheay village, O’Bei Choarn commune, O’Chrov district of Banteay Meanchey province. Cambodia has described the Thai military’s actions as a breach of the ceasefire.

The Nation newspaper quoted Nattaphon Narkphanit, Thailand’s acting defense minister, as saying today that Thai forces had reinforced security in Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo province after Cambodian protesters tried to tear down fencing erected by Thai troops.

Nattaphon Narkphanit insisted that additional barbed wire barriers were placed to prevent Cambodian civilians from crossing into Thai territory and to avoid repeated incidents. He said legal action could be pursued by the army, provincial authorities, or other relevant institutions.

Speaking at a press conference today, Cambodian defense ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said Thai military fencing operations amounted to a serious violation of the ceasefire, the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, and the spirit of agreements reached in the recent Regional Border Committee meeting.

Maly Socheata reaffirmed that Cambodia is committed to resolving all border disputes through the Joint Border Committee in accordance with the 2000 memorandum.

Meanwhile, residents told Cambodian media that on Monday, Thai soldiers entered Chouk Cheay village to install barbed wire but were forced to retreat after strong protests from villagers. They said Thai troops attempted to lay wire again on Tuesday but were again blocked. Since Monday night, villagers have set up tents and maintained a vigil at the disputed site, vowing to continue their presence.

On August 25, political science researcher In Sophal wrote on his Facebook account, sharing a United Nations map, that the Nong Chan camp is located on Cambodian territory along the Thai border. He recalled that the site was once controlled by the Khmer People’s National Liberation Front of Son Sann, commanded at the time by Dieng Del.

In Sophal noted that in 1979, around 13,000 Cambodian refugees lived in Nong Chan camp, a figure that rose to 16,000 by 1984. He stressed that the only refugee camp officially located inside Thailand was Khao I Dang. If Thailand wanted evidence or testimony, he said, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees would be the proper source, but he argued that Thai authorities are unlikely to seek such verification as they are pursuing territorial claims over Cambodian land.

Hundreds of Cambodian villagers have gathered to protest against Thai soldiers attempting to erect fencing inside Cambodian territory in Chouk Cheay village, O’Bei Choarn commune, O’Chrov district of Banteay Meanchey province.

Local outlet SBT News broadcast live on Facebook on August 26, showing large crowds of villagers confronting Thai forces to prevent them from resuming the installation of barbed wire in the disputed area.

Video footage showed hundreds of Cambodians massing in Chouk Cheay village to block the Thai troops from laying fencing.

Thailand’s Khaosod newspaper quoted acting prime minister Pumtham Wechayachai as saying today that he has no authority to order the removal of fencing following Cambodian pressure. He said responsibility for border security rests entirely with the Thai army, and the fencing being installed was consistent with ceasefire agreements reached in Malaysia.

Responding to the situation, Cambodian defense minister Tea Seiha wrote on his Facebook page that Cambodian forces deployed at the scene were not armed, to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the ceasefire. He appealed for public understanding of the army’s restraint and urged patience in the national interest.

Tea Seiha added that discussions to resolve the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict will continue, including a special Regional Border Committee meeting between Cambodia’s Region 4 and Thailand’s Region 2 on August 27, followed by a General Border Committee meeting in Phnom Penh on September 9 and 10.

He stressed that defending the nation and its borders is not a minor issue, and no Cambodian leaders would use ordinary citizens as shields or tools to protect their own interests.

On August 26, representatives of the Interim Observer Team from five ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, and Vietnam, visited Chouk Cheay village. The delegation, led by a Malaysian military officer, inspected the area where Thai troops had reportedly surrounded and fenced off land, as well as several Cambodian households.

The previous day, on August 25 at 2:20 in the afternoon, armed Thai soldiers, equipped with long-range acoustic devices, entered Chouk Cheay village to install more fencing. The area lies directly across the border from Nong Chan village in Khok Sung district of Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province.

Residents whose land was affected, including people with disabilities, pregnant women, and mothers with small children, joined the protest to block further fencing. Villagers also tore down sections of barbed wire that Thai troops had recently put in place.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet says a meeting of border military commanders between Cambodia and Thailand has produced positive results.

The talks, held on August 25 in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, brought together Cambodia’s Fifth Military Region and Thailand’s border defense commands from Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. Cambodia hosted the meeting.

Hun Manet wrote on his Facebook page on Monday that he welcomed the positive outcome of the extraordinary session of the Regional Border Committee, which focused on easing tensions and strengthening cooperation along the frontier.

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense said in a statement that the two sides agreed in principle to establish a Coordination Group, known as CG, to reinforce communication at all levels. The group would link senior commanders, border liaison teams, field units, and operational forces along the Cambodia-Thailand border. The aim is to resolve problems peacefully and avoid further clashes.

The statement added that both delegations also discussed the possibility of creating a Township Border Committee, or TBC, involving both state and private institutions to strengthen cooperation in wider fields.

While the new structures are being set up, local commanders from both sides are expected to meet weekly or as needed to resolve issues in their areas of responsibility.

The Ministry of National Defense also confirmed that both Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed the importance of humanitarian demining and pledged to cooperate in combating cross-border crimes. These include cyber fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and other illicit activities.

However, Thai media outlet Khaosod reported on August 25 that Boonsin Phladklang, commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region, had instructed Thai troops to retaliate immediately if Cambodian soldiers violated Thai sovereignty or planted landmines. The report added that Boonsin Phladklang is also preparing to coordinate directly with Hun Sen, who is currently serving as acting head of state.

Meanwhile, Cambodian social commentator Vorn Chanlot wrote on his Facebook account that the Cambodian National Assembly had on Monday urged Thailand to strictly respect the ceasefire.

He noted that the appeal carried much the same tone as repeated calls for Thai forces to engage with Cambodia professionally. The Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Maly Socheata confirmed that Cambodia has been calling for the enforcement of the ceasefire three times a day, but so far without success.

Authorities in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province say Thailand may issue land titles to its own citizens, but such actions must not affect Cambodian sovereignty, particularly in areas where the two countries have not yet agreed on border demarcation.

Banteay Meanchey governor Oum Reatrey told local journalists on August 25 that issuing land titles on Thai territory is the right of Thai authorities. However, he stressed this must not impact Cambodian sovereignty or cover areas where the Joint Boundary Commission of the two countries has yet to agree on land demarcation. He also warned against occupying or using territory currently occupied or used by Cambodian citizens.

Oum Reatrey added that if land titles were issued in disputed areas, the provincial administration would immediately object. He stated that such actions would violate the spirit of the 2000 memorandum of understanding signed by the two governments and would undermine the negotiations of the Joint Boundary Commission.

On August 24, the Thai newspaper The Nation Thailand reported that authorities in Sa Kaeo province had promised to issue land titles to Thai citizens in Nong Chan village, Khok Sung district, which lies adjacent to Choek Chey village in Ou Beichoan commune, Ou Chrov district of Banteay Meanchey province.

In response, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reiterated that the government remains committed to upholding the ceasefire and the spirit of good neighbourliness. The ministry said disputes should be resolved peacefully through bilateral mechanisms and within the ASEAN framework.

At a press conference on August 25, ministry spokesperson Chum Sounry said both countries should work together to build trust, reduce tensions, and strengthen cooperation rather than engage in accusations that risk escalating the situation.

The border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has now stretched to two months and 27 days as of August 25. During this period, Cambodia has pursued diplomatic efforts urging Thailand to strictly observe the ceasefire in hopes of returning to a situation without conflict. However, Thai authorities have continued to show reluctance to seek reconciliation with Cambodia.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet says recent talks between Cambodian and Thai regional military commanders have produced positive outcomes.

In a post on his Facebook page on August 23, 2025, Hun Manet welcomed the results of the extraordinary meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee held a day earlier. The talks involved Cambodia’s Fifth Military Region and Thailand’s First Army Region, and took place in Sa Kaeo province, Thailand.

The meeting was convened under the ceasefire agreement reached by the two countries earlier in August following border clashes. According to Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to implementing the truce and respecting the 13 previously agreed-upon principles. Officials said the two sides also agreed to strengthen bilateral relations further and restore normalcy in the border area.

The ministry statement added that Cambodia and Thailand reached a consensus on cooperation in mine clearance, tackling cross-border crime, and establishing a Coordination Group to support the work of the Regional Border Committee.

The two countries also agreed to hold the next committee meeting within one month or at another mutually convenient time, with Cambodia hosting the talks.

Thai media outlet Khaosod reported that three of four proposals put forward by Thailand were adopted, including mine clearance, cross-border crime cooperation, and the creation of the Coordination Group. On the question of handling disputes linked to the 2000 memorandum of understanding, the Cambodian side suggested using the Joint Boundary Commission instead.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Embassy in Phnom Penh said Ambassador Suzuki Hideo, Japan’s representative for Mekong cooperation, will travel to Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand between August 25 and 29. Malaysia currently holds the ASEAN chairmanship. The embassy said Suzuki plans to meet relevant officials to exchange views on ways to ease tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

Japan’s government has urged full and genuine implementation of the ceasefire, stressing that stable relations between Cambodia and Thailand are vital for peace and development in the region.

The chief White House correspondent for Next News Network, Gary Franchi, says Thailand has placed him and American adviser Michael B Alfaro on its blacklist after they reported on the Cambodia-Thailand border crisis.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Gary Franchi claimed the Thai government acted following his coverage and the work of Michael B Alfaro, who he said had encouraged direct intervention by United States President Donald Trump over the escalating border conflict.

Gary Franchi added that while Thailand could blacklist him and Michael B Alfaro, it could not erase the information they had already provided to President Donald Trump.

Michael B Alfaro travelled to Cambodia after the August ceasefire, where he live-streamed from border areas showing displaced families sheltering in plastic tents, schools, and damaged temples. He also reported on the 18 Cambodian soldiers being held by Thai forces.

According to Gary Franchi, Alfaro’s live broadcast attracted more than nine million viewers within just one hour, spreading accounts he said mainstream outlets had largely ignored. He added that the Next News Network had shared the coverage with millions more.

He accused the Thai military and left-leaning journalists of running a campaign to discredit them, portraying Alfaro as a lobbyist and himself as only a YouTuber, in what he described as an attempt to obscure the facts.

On August 15, Michael B Alfaro visited refugee camps and disputed areas along the Cambodian-Thai border, including Banteay Meanchey province, where he reported that Thai troops had dug trenches and built barricades around Khmer homes.

Two days later, the Thai newspaper Khaosod quoted government spokesperson Pravit Rojanaphruk as saying that Michael B Alfaro was no longer welcome in Thailand. He said the decision was based on claims that Alfaro had misrepresented facts about the border crisis and that, despite a prior invitation, Thailand had since determined Alfaro was not an accredited White House correspondent but simply a lobbyist for Cambodia.

In response, Gary Franchi insisted that Michael B Alfaro was not a lobbyist for Cambodia and had not received any money from its government. He said Alfaro paid for his travel after the White House provided documentation to One America News confirming its awareness of his mission and the security risks on the Cambodian-Thai frontier.

Thailand’s military has told ASEAN observers that during five days of fighting along the border, it came under air attack from Cambodian forces. The Thai side said this prompted it to launch counterstrikes before hostilities ended shortly before midnight on July 28, 2025.

Thailand’s Khaosod newspaper published details of a military report on Wednesday, alleging that Cambodian forces not only struck Thai military positions in Surin province but also targeted civilian areas. The report said seven civilians were killed and ten were wounded.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence rejected the accusation. In a statement on July 28, the ministry said Thai troops were the ones who opened fire first, shelling Cambodian territory near the Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabey temples. The ministry said the attack began around 03:10 in the morning and continued until 05:07.

A spokesperson said Thai troops launched assaults across several areas of Cambodia’s fourth military region, including Ta Moan Thom, Chub Kokir, Thmor Don, Veal Indry, 5 January, Ta Thav, Phnom Khmoch, and An Ses. The statement said Thai forces fought particularly hard to seize Wat Keo Kiri Svar at the 5 January site but were repelled.

Maly Socheata, another Cambodian official, said Thai attacks had forced more than 130,000 Cambodians from their homes by July 27. That figure included almost 40,000 families, among them pregnant women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and children.

More than 600 schools across five provinces were closed, affecting 150,000 students and 6,000 teachers. Infrastructure was also badly damaged, homes and property destroyed, and Cambodia said the UNESCO World Heritage site of Preah Vihear temple sustained severe damage.

The Cambodian defence ministry report added that Thai forces used F-16 and Gripen fighter aircraft to drop Mk-82 and Mk-84 bombs on Cambodian territory. The statement said Thai troops also deployed drones to release M261 and M472 bombs, as well as suicide and reconnaissance drones.

The report accused Thai forces of using heavy artillery, cluster munitions, and even chemical smoke, while Cambodia itself did not deploy heavy weapons against Thailand.

The ministry said Cambodia remained committed to resolving the dispute peacefully through legal and diplomatic means, but stressed it would continue to defend its people and its territory in line with its constitution.

Cambodia’s government has accused Thailand of carrying out air strikes and then attempting to shift blame onto Phnom Penh through what it called misleading claims about landmines.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona told a press conference on Wednesday that Cambodia has already suffered heavy bombardment, including MK-84 and MK-82 bombs as well as cluster munitions dropped by Thai F-16 aircraft during five days of fighting. He said Thailand was now using the issue of landmines to portray itself as a victim, while Cambodia was the country enduring the real attacks.

Pen Bona said Cambodia and its people wanted peace, adding that international observers already understood Cambodia’s position as a nation seeking stability.

His comments followed a report by Thailand’s Khaosod newspaper on August 19, which said Thai naval forces had retrieved a Cambodian soldier’s mobile phone containing photos and videos of PMN-2 anti-personnel mines. The paper claimed the footage showed Cambodian troops planting mines near the border.

In a separate development, Michael B Alfaro, a United States presidential adviser, mocked the report on social media, suggesting that if Cambodia could produce a waterproof mobile phone with an endless battery as claimed, it should share the technology with Elon Musk.

Observers have dismissed the Thai claims as disinformation. They noted that photographs allegedly showing Cambodian soldiers laying mines bore the name of soldier Chhum Eng on his uniform. Chhum Eng has been held in Thailand since his capture on July 29.

Heng Ratana, director general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, wrote on his Facebook page that Thailand was attempting to present itself as a victim by accusing Cambodia of deploying newly planted PMN-2 mines.

Meanwhile, Ly Thuch, first vice president of the Cambodian Mine Authority, described the allegations as politically motivated and unfounded. He said the area where mines reportedly injured Thai soldiers was an old battlefield dating back to Cambodia’s civil war.

Ly Thuch also warned Thai troops not to cross into Cambodian territory along disputed border areas, saying they risked stepping on mines left from past conflicts. He insisted Cambodia had not laid new mines and rejected Thailand’s attempt to shift responsibility.